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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010
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11

Health Care Reform Hinges on House Abortion Vote

Stupak amendment blocks private insurers offering procedure

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(Newser) – In a last-ditch effort to corral 40 anti-abortion party members whose votes are needed to pass health care reform, Democrats last night agreed to let the whole House vote today on an amendment that would bar insurers participating in the new government-run health care exchange from providing abortions except in the case of rape, incest or to protect the mother's health. It would also prevent people who receive federal subsidies from buying private insurance that covers abortion.

Drafted by Michigan Rep. Bart Stupak, the compromise is expected to be supported by every House Republican as well as the block of Democrats. Expect contentious floor debate, as abortion rights backers were outraged by the move, saying it would roll back care available to many women by forcing private insurers to drop coverage. As written, the bill merely requires that abortions be paid for by the private portion of a patient's premium.

A anti abortion protestors stand outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, along with a group of people lined up waiting to get inside for the start of a new session.
A anti abortion protestors stand outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, along with a group of people lined up waiting to get inside for the start of a new session.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Anti abortion supporter Matt Lockett, of Washington, stands outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, as the court started its new session.
Anti abortion supporter Matt Lockett, of Washington, stands outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, as the court started its new session.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
House Energy and Commerce subcommittee Chairman Rep. Bart Stupak during a hearing Friday, June 12, 2009, on Capitol Hill.
House Energy and Commerce subcommittee Chairman Rep. Bart Stupak during a hearing Friday, June 12, 2009, on Capitol Hill.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
House Oversight and Investigations subcommittee Chairman Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich.on Capitol Hill Thursday, March 19, 2009, during the subcommittee's hearing.
House Oversight and Investigations subcommittee Chairman Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich.on Capitol Hill Thursday, March 19, 2009, during the subcommittee's hearing.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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Derni
Nov 7, 09 6:45 AM CST
and are the 40 members out-of-touch with what's going on-Case in point" whether you agree or disagree fact: early developmental abortions on a fetus with Down's Syndrome where up as women getting pregnant earlier opted to abort-this will result in a decrease of 35% of infants being born with this syndrome-Who am I or Confress to tell people that abortion is wrong? This has been debated by scholars since the Middle Ages-Perhaps Congress should really come-out -of the closet and tell us just what "is human." now that will stir the pot. When will religious froups stop telling others what is right and wrong with their legislation? And with the new abortion bill will we now force women to seek out dangerous life-threatening options? And take your argument a little further-if Christian Science out numbered us all and made the laws we all would die because of their view of mediucal care and religious beliefs. And m,ost Americans that preach against abortion-well if their daughter gets preganat=they'll be the first in line to take them and "fix" everything-I've seen it for 30 years as a teacher in a rich suburbam HS and as a former man of the cloth Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
cochiserocks
Nov 7, 09 7:03 AM CST
I agree, individuals are responsible for their own actions and accountable for their own actions - emotionally, spiritually, physically, financially, however you want to look at it. The future lies in an educated, emotionally intelligent population expressing their choices efficiently and with purpose - not in more legislation confining the population as a whole, and less education because the safety net of legislation means the choice need never be exercised. The legislation needs to be directed at protecting individual in circumstances where they are being misled, misinformed or taken advantage of by unscrupulous industry or social elements - but they do not need protecting from themselves unless the education system is totally unfit for purpose.
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+2
IN RESPONSE:
Thinker
Nov 7, 09 7:26 AM CST
Thank you Demi!
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0
IN RESPONSE:
prowlerzee
Nov 7, 09 8:02 AM CST
You are so right, Demi! Bob Barr (former GA congrtessman) would preach that everyone involved in an abortion should be jailed...yet when he got ready to dump wife #2 for wife #3 and foound out she was pregnant, he whipped her straight to the doctor for an abortion.
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IN RESPONSE:
caljmc
Nov 7, 09 2:42 PM CST
I can see why you might be upset, but you should read the article more carefully. They are NOT outlawing abortion. They're just saying that government tax dollars will not be spent on abortions when they are "elective" and not medically necessary. It's kind of like getting a face lift. That's another choice some people make, but you would not expect the insurance/government funds to cover that right? Along the same vein, they are just saying that if you don't have a MEDICAL NEED for the abortion, then you are going to have to pay for it yourself.
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